Canton top cop asks nation to understand

Sunday

Police chief says the arrest of one of their own gives the department a 'black eye'

The city’s police department has a “black eye,” admits Chief Dan
McKimm. But he hopes the community -- and nation -- won’t assess the
department and police officers based on one man’s actions.

McKimm expressed his concerns at a news conference held to announce the
arrest of officer Bobby L. Cutts Jr. in the death of his girlfriend, Jessie
Marie Davis and her unborn child. Cutts will be formally charged Monday with
two counts on murder in their deaths.

Despite the turn of events, McKimm said he hopes the community and nation
aren’t quick to judge any law enforcement agency “by the isolated acts of a
rogue officer.

“Doing so denigrates all of the many, selfless acts of law enforcement
personnel who daily put their lives on the line to protect and serve the
citizens in their communities,” McKimm said.

Cutts has been a Canton police officer since 2001, but his career couldn’t
be called stellar.

In 2003, after a cousin ended up with Cutts’ service weapon, he was fired
and tried on felony charges. A jury cleared Cutts and an arbitrator
determined that firing was too severe of a punishment for Cutts. He ordered
Cutts be returned to work with back pay.

Last week, after sheriff’s deputies began investigating Davis’
disappearance, Cutts was placed on administrative leave.

During the investigation, McKimm said his department maintained a
professional distance, but has helped and will continue to help. “We mostly
provided records,” McKimm said Saturday night.

Results of the investigation, McKimm said, show “that regardless of who you
are or what position you hold in Stark County, law enforcement will pursue
justice and hold guilty parties responsible as the facts dictate.”

McKimm said he hopes for a quick resolution to this crime, but that it will
take time. “In the end I believe justice will be served and members of this
community will reap the benefits of another professional, cooperative effort
by their local and national law enforcement agencies.”